Relay for Life brings good friends together for good times

Oroville >> Walking around in a circle can become tiresome after a while, even if you have one of your best friends to chat with.

Yet, the Relay for Life, held at Bechtel Field in Oroville, was anything but monotonous.

Something new was taking place almost every hour, and the event continues for 24 hours.

Lori Cayo, of Oroville, was moving at a steady pace with a yellow, foam cheese hat" on her head and her long-time friend Lynda Burkhalter, of Palo Cedro, at her side.

It was the hour to walk while wearing crazy hats. Although Cayo, who is from Wisconsin, didn't think wearing cheese on her head was necessarily "crazy."

If the two had picked up the pace, they could have caught up to the gal with the balloon hat twisted over her ears.

Cayo and Burkhalter were a bit dusty, but they don't get together as often as they would like so walking in the Relay For Life was quality times.

Their team, the Kelly Ridge Runners, includes three people who have survived cancer.

After Cayo and her cheese hat had made a few more rounds, it was time for a silly cardboard car race.

Several teams had crafted cars, most decorated with an American Cancer Society theme, including a purple tennis shoe and breast cancer ribbons. Two people were placed "inside" each car, and made a mad dash around 1/4 of the track.

Only one team stumbled into the dust during the friendly competition.

Other events planned through the day included a team lap, survivor lap, caregiver lap, karaoke, Zumba, pajama lap, and many more.

At nightfall, the mood moves more somber, with a lap of silence and luminaria ceremony.

The event is a relay, and walkers take turns, while others are given an option to sleep, or at least rest.

Most people have lost a loved one to cancer, said Georgeanne Coughlin, who was working to sell raffle tickets for fabulous prizes, accompanied by Megan Myers.

The event is held for 24-hours as a symbol of what people with cancer go through.

"Cancer never sleeps," said participant Marilyn Elwell.

Her team has been marching along for five of the six years the event has been held in Oroville.

The fundraising goal, by Sunday, is $38,000, explained Melissa Anderson, of the American Cancer Society. With 17 teams, the goal was near. Each person had asked for pledges prior to walking.

Anderson said part of the event is emotionally moving, including the opening ceremony when 100 cancer survivors were in attendance.

Another highlight was a haircut event, where people donated their tresses for wigs for people who lose their hair during chemotherapy. Tangled Salon brought the shears.